Precious Threads and Precarious Lives: Histories of Shawl and Silk Industries of Kashmir, 1846–1950

This book explores the history of the shawl and silk industries in Jammu and Kashmir, India, focusing on production, circulation, and consumption in the 19th and 20th centuries. It examines the impact of colonialism on the labor economy and compares the Kashmir textile industry with Scottish factories. It sheds light on the cultural, commodity, and colonial networks that shaped these industries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the hitherto unexplored history of the shawl and silk industries of the himalyan state of Jammu and Kashmir,India. It focuses on the three crucial processes of production, circulation, and consumption within the region's textile industry to emphasize its socio-economic and political significance in the 19th and 20th centuries. Employing a micro-history approach, the book explores the sites of production, such as the home looms or small karkhana, the efficiency of labor, and the innovative techniques employed by weavers to adapt to market demands. Additionally, it uncovers the profound impact of colonialism on transforming the labor economy of the Kashmir textile industry. By comparing these karkhanas with Scottish factories or home looms, the book sheds light on numerous sites of difference and comparison between the working styles and technologies. This intricate mapping of history brings to life the intricate interplay between culture, commodity, and colonial networks, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of South Asian history, colonial and imperial history, cultural studies, and economic and labor history.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032001371